I first became interested in Buddhism in Cairns, Australia, where I bought an intro book on Buddhism from a fellow backpacker at a hostel. The following day, I met a teacher who "introduced" me to the Dalai Lama while sailing the Great Barrier Reef.

Buddhism is a practice that is internally-driven; focusing on knowing yourself through meditation and reaching happiness through patience and compassion. Briefly, the pillars of Buddhism, called the Four Noble Truths of the Buddha, say that there is such a thing as suffering. Suffering is caused by desire, and there is a way to end this suffering. The way to end suffering is to end desire, and to end desire, you must focus on yourself and knowing yourself. Buddhism takes a long-term approach to Life, as one slowly develops compassion and patience, rather than a quick fix.

Through studying Buddhism I have become a more patient person, realizing that all too often the inconveniences of Life are not something which should cause anger or anxiety. Instead I use these events as opportunities to develop my patience. As well, as I became aware of the ghosts of the "real world" and encountered people who are caught up in those ghosts, I have tried to develop compassion for them.

Buddhism is a not a path of desire and control, but tranquility, internal listening and experience.